Bethany Lutheran Outlook February - March 2020

Serving God, Community, and Individuals

PASTOR’S REFLECTIONS

With 2020 being a presidential election year and considering the state of our national discourse these days, it seems safe to assume that we can look forward to an especially ugly campaign filled with nasty rhetoric and TV ads designed to slander one’s opponents and make them look as bad

as possible; so much for the Eighth Commandment about bearing false witness. I give thanks for the mute button! Because the UP Catholic newsletter gets handed on to me I learned that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a yearlong initiative that invites Catholics to model civility, love for neighbor and respectful dialogue. “Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate” asks Catholics to pledge civility, clarity and compassion in their families, communities and parishes and to call on others to do the same. I applaud the Catholic bishops but might we add Lutherans (and others) to the pledge? Wouldn’t it be nice if all of the candidates would make such a pledge? You can be sure that that’s not going to happen but each of us can do our little bit to try and keep the conversation civil recognizing that everyone, even those with whom we disagree, is a beloved child of God who possesses inherent dignity.

The full pledge is worth sharing and reads as follows:

Civility To recognize the human dignity of those with whom I disagree, treat others with respect, and rise above attacks when directed at me

Clarity To root my political viewpoints in the Gospel and a well formed conscience, which involves prayer, conversation, study and listening. I will stand up for my convictions and speak out when I witness language that disparages others' dignity, while also listening and seeking to understand others’ experiences.

Compassion To encounter others with a tone and posture which affirms that I honor the dignity of others and invite others to do the same. I will presume others’ best intentions and listen to their stories with empathy. I will strive to understand before seeking to be understood.

It’s a noble ideal and sets the bar pretty high. However, I would encourage you to male this pledge and do what you can to keep the conversation civil. Pastor Geier Resolve to Listen Christian philosopher Paul Tillich said, “The first responsibility of love is to listen.” Yet in our fast-paced culture, truly listen-ing to someone has become a lost art. The intricate Chinese written character for the verb to listen offers wise insight about how to listen to people so they feel heard. The symbol is actually a combination of characters for ears, eyes and an open heart. Basically it reads, “I give you my ears, my eyes and my undivided attention.” What a great image of being fully engaged during the act of communica-tion! James 1:19 offers two wise resolutions for the year ahead: Be “quick to listen” and “slow to speak” (NRSV). Practicing the skill of active listening is a much-needed way to minister to other people, serving as Jesus’ “ears” in a hurting world.

DAILY LECTIONARY The foundational premise of this set of daily readings is their relationship to the Sunday lectionary. The readings are chosen so that the days leading up to Sunday (Thursday through Satur-day) prepare for the Sunday readings. The days flowing out from Sunday (Monday through Wednesday) reflect upon the Sunday readings.

February 2020 1 Psalm 15 Micah 3:1-4 John 13:31-35 2 Fourth Sunday of Epiphany - The Presentation of Our Lord Micah 6:1-8 Psalm 15 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Matthew 5:1-12 Readings for The Presentation of Our Lord Malachi 3:1-4 Psalm 84 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 3 Psalm 37:1-17 Ruth 1:1-18 Philemon 1-25 4 Psalm 37:1-17 Ruth 2:1-16 James 5:1-6 5 Psalm 37:1-17 Ruth 3:1-13; 4:13-22 Luke 6:17-26 6 Psalm 112:1-9 Deuteronomy 4:1-14 1 John 5:1-5 7 Psalm 112:1-9 Isaiah 29:1-12 James 3:13-18 8 Psalm 112:1-9 Isaiah 26:13-16 Mark 7:1-8 9 Fifth Sunday of Epiphany Isaiah 58: 1-9a Psalm 112:1-9 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 Matthew 5:13-20 10 Psalm 119 105-112 2 Kings 22:3-20 Romans 11:2-10 11 Psalm 119 105-112 2 Kings 23:1-8, 21-25 2 Corinthians 4:1-12 12 Psalm 119 105-112 Proverbs 6:6-23 John 8:12-30 13 Psalm 119:1-8 Genesis 26:1-5 James 1:12-16 14 Psalm 119:1-8 Leviticus 26:34-46 1 John 2:7-17 15 Psalm 119:1-8 Deuteronomy 30:1-9a Matthew 15:1-9

“The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid.” —Martin Luther

16 Sixth Sunday of Epiphany Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Psalm 119:1-8 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37 17 Psalm 119:9-16 Exodus 20:1-21 James 1:2-8 18 Psalm 119:9-16 Deut. 23:21 — 24:4, 10-15 James 2:1-13 19 Psalm 119:9-16 Proverbs 2:1-15 Matthew 19:1-12 20 Psalm 2 Exodus 6:2-9 Hebrews 8:1-7 21 Psalm 2 Exodus 19:9b-25 Hebrews 11:23-28 22 Psalm 2 1 Kings 21:20-29 Mark 9:9-13 23 Transfiguration of Our Lord Exodus 24:12-18 Psalm 2 2 Peter 1:16-21 Matthew 17:1-9 24 Psalm 78:17-20, 52-55 Exodus 33:7-23 Acts 7:30-34 25 Psalm 78:17-20, 52-55 1 Kings 19:9-18 Romans 11:1-6 26 Ash Wednesday Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Psalm 103:8-14 2 Cor. 5:20-b — 6:10 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 27 Psalm 51 Jonah 3:1-10 Romans 1:8-17 28 Psalm 51 Jonah 4:1-11 Romans 1:8-17 29 Psalm 51 Isaiah 58:1-12 Matthew 18:1-7

March 2020 1 First Sunday in Lent Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Psalm 32 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11 2 Psalm 32 1 Kings 19:1-8 Hebrews 2:10-18 3 Psalm 32 Genesis 4:1-16 Hebrews 4:14 — 5:10 4 Psalm 32 Exodus 34:1-9, 27-28 Matthew 18:10-14 5 Psalm 121 Isaiah 51:1-3 2 Timothy 1:3-7 6 Psalm 121 Micah 7:18-20 Romans 3:21-31 7 Psalm 121 Isaiah 51:4-8 Luke 7:1-10

8 Second Sunday in Lent Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 121 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 John 3:1-17 9 Psalm 128 Numbers 21:4-9 Hebrews 3:1-6 10 Psalm 128 Isaiah 65:17-25 Romans 4:6-13 11 Psalm 128 Ezekiel 36:22-32 John 7:53 — 8:11 12 Psalm 95 Exodus 16:1-8 Colossians 1:15-23 13 Psalm 95 Exodus 16:9-21 Ephesians 2:11-22 14 Psalm 95 Exodus 16:27-35 John 4:1-6 15 Third Sunday in Lent Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 95 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42 16 Psalm 81 Genesis 24:1-27 2 John 1-13 17 Psalm 81 Genesis 29:1-14 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 18 Psalm 81 Jeremiah 2:4-13 John 7:14-31, 37-39 19 Psalm 23 1 Samuel 15:10-21 Ephesians 4:25-32 Readings for the Feast of St. Joseph, Guardian of Jesus 2 Samuel 7:4, 8-16 Psalm 89:1-29 Romans 4:13-18 Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a 20 Psalm 23 1 Samuel 15:22-31 Ephesians 5:1-9 21 Psalm 23 1 Samuel 15:32-34 John 1:1-9 22 Fourth Sunday in Lent 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Psalm 23 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 23 Psalm 146 Isaiah 59:9-19 Acts 9:1-20 24 Psalm 146 Isaiah 42:14-21 Colossians 1:9-14 25 Psalm 146 Isaiah 60:17-22 Matthew 9:27-34 Readings for the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord Isaiah 7:10-14 Psalm 45 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38 26 Psalm 130 Ezekiel 1:1-3; 2:8 — 3:3 Revelation 10:1-11 27 Psalm 130 Ezekiel 33:10-16 Revelation 11:15-19 28 Psalm 130 Ezekiel 36:8-15 Luke 24:44-53

29 Fifth Sunday in Lent Ezekiel 37:1-14 Psalm 130 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45 30 Psalm 143 1 Kings 17:17-24 Acts 20:7-12 31 Psalm 143 2 Kings 4:18-37 Ephesians 2:1-10 A Prayer for Neighborliness O God, we pray for a broader vision of the needs of humanity, and a deeper compas-sion to fill those needs; for a planting of the seeds of concern for all humanity in our hearts; for a tapping of the wells of generosity. May we live together as people who have been forgiven a great debt. May we be gentle, walking softly with one another. May we be understanding, lest we shall add to the world’s sorrow or cause to flow needless tears. May we be as anxious for the rights of others as we are for our own. May we be as eager to forgive as we are to seek forgiveness. May we know no barriers of creed or race or sex, that our love may be like Yours — a love that sees all people as Your children and our kin. May we be ministers of humanity. —Peter Marshall

“Don’t start looking in the Bible for the answers it gives. Start by listening for the questions it asks.”

—Frederick Buechner

Search Me, O God

Search me, O God, and know my heart today, Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;

See if there be some wicked way in me; Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.

I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin; Fulfill Thy Word, and make me pure within.

Fill me with fire where once I burned with shame; Grant my desire to magnify Thy name.

Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine; Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine; Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;

I now surrender, Lord, in me abide.

O Holy Ghost, revival comes from thee; Send a revival, start the work in me.

Thy word declares Thou wilt supply our need; For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.

- J. Edwin Orr

Fellowship Hall Floor original 1962 Will patch asbestos floor and put down carpet squares which are replaceable if ruined. Sanctuary original 1970 Carpet Church Pews and Choir Chairs 1970 reupholster both

Search Me, O God: the Story Behind the Hymn

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

When I was a student at Columbia International University In South Caroline, a small, peppery, gray-haired Irishman came to lecture. He was brisk and plain-spoken, and his subject was revival. J. Edwin Orr had studied the history of revivals like no one else; as it happened, I had just read one of his many books on the subject. When I requested an appointment, he agreed to see me in the lobby of the men’s dormi-tory. Perhaps it was his shyness, but he seemed uncomfortable chatting with me. In-stead of looking in my direction and engaging in conversation, he gazed straight ahead and answered my questions with short replies. After several fruitless exchanges, I de-cided to ask him one last thing. “Dr. Orr, besides praying for revival, what can I do to help bring it about?” Without a moment's pause, he glanced in my direction and gave me an answer I’ve never forgot-ten: “You can let it begin with you.” That was exactly the point of this hymn, which he had written years before, in 1936, during an intense springtime revival convention in the town of Ngaruawahia, on the North Island of New Zealand. There had been an attitude of unusual expectancy about the meetings, and prayer meetings proliferated across the city. Many students were coming to Christ, and the area began overflowing with the testimonies of those being saved and renewed in Christ. One day Dr. Orr heard four Aborigine girls sing a beautiful song entitlesd “The Song of Farewell,” the first words being, “Now is the hour when we must say goodbye.” Una-ble to get the lovely Polynesian tune out of his mind, Dr. Orr began singing it to himself using words from Psalm 139. These words he jotted down on the back of an envelope while standing in the post office at Ngaruwahia, and they were first published in his book, All You Need. —Robert J. Morgan, Then Sings My Soul; 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories

Lenten Soup Suppers:

5:30 each Wednesday of Lent

The Boards of Bethany will provide the soups each Wednesday of Lent.*

March 4 - Finance and Property March 11 - Social Ministry March 18- Worship & Music March 25- Stewardship and Personnel April 1 - Christian Ed *No Soup Supper on Ash Wednesday

Feb- ruary 26

6:30 pm

Traditional Service (Confession,

Imposition of Ashes, and

Holy Communion) Ashes

On Ash Wednesday, as Lent begins, worshipers’ foreheads are of-ten marked with ashes in the sign of the cross. The ashes traditionally come from burning palm branches

from the previous Palm Sunday. In Old Testament days, ashes were a sign of mourning and repent-ance. Today, some worshipers wipe off the ashes before leaving church, to symbolize being cleansed from sin by Jesus’ death; others wear the ashes the rest of the day, carrying the cross of Christ into the world. The speaking of Genesis 3:19 often accompanies the placement of ashes: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Wednesday Lenten Services will Highlight the Drama Series “The Doors of Lent”

1. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

Matthew 25.5-15 – The 10 bridesmaids What happens when dad and mom think their teenage daughter is very late getting home? Dad wants to get tough, while mom asks if maybe they should be more forgiving. How does God treat us when we are not ready and at the door when we should be? 2. LOOK WHO'S COMING TO DINNER Luke 16:19–31 - The rich man and Lazarus In this serious drama John decides to do his part and invite the homeless man he has seen frequently on his way home to come into his home for a night. However, everything does not go as he planned. How can opening your door be risky? 3. WHEN GOD CLOSES A DOOR ... OPEN THE ROOF Luke 5:17 – 24 - The crippled man lowered through the roof Calvin is rather down on life. He has basically locked himself in his apartment and refus-es to interact with people. Many things have gone wrong but most importantly is the fact that Calvin believes he has done so many hurtful or harmful things that no one would want him around. Larry, his friend, decides to confront him, and force his way into Cal-vin, just as the men forced the crippled man onto Jesus. The story itself is told by Larry in a rather humorous way. 4. BLOODY KNUCKLES Luke 11:5-13 - Knock and it shall be open to you In this touching drama Joe sits in a small room in a hospital, clearly upset. His daughter has been very ill. The janitor interrupts him, but lets him rest in quiet. Soon the new hos-pital chaplain shows up, young and eager to help. He has heard that Joe’s daughter was ill and jumps right in encouraging prayer. However, he fails to ask Joe about his daughter. Later the janitor will return, and it is he who listens. How is prayer both talking and lis-tening? 5. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS Matthew 6:1-8, Luke 18:9-14 – Pray in secret The two characters are a state representative and his/her political advisor. The advisor is pushing the Representative to lead prayer at the big football game. He argues that it will be great exposure. The Representative has his doubts. Are we supposed to lift our prayers so that others can hear them, or just God?

Update on Bethany Sesquicentennial Activities By Cheryl Frederickson As we move towards our 150th Anniversary celebration, the Planning Committee has been busy organizing our calendar of events. It’s going to be an exciting year of history, fun and food! Saturday, April 18 - We will be kicking things off with our annual Pie Social. We will be changing things up a bit this year by adding a display of arts and crafts made by church members. These will be for display only – not a sale. We ask that anyone who does any art or crafting see Marian Medlyn or Anne Sundblad about displaying your work. We have so much talent in our congregation, and hope everyone will be willing to share their wares. We also plan to do a lot of publicity for this year’s pie social, so we will be needing a LOT of pie! A sign up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board in March. Please be generous with your donations of pie! Sunday, June 28 – Bethany will be hosting a Historical Tour of our church and coffee social from noon to 5pm. Guides will be on hand to inform our guests about the history of our church. It is sure to be a fun and educational experience for all. It would be great If you would search your attics or basements for artifacts to loan to us. Karen Kasper is coordinating the historical tour. Saturday, July 4 – We will be entering a float in the 4th of July parade in Ishpeming this year! The float will be advertising our Anniversary as well as our upcoming Vacation Bible School program. We are hoping to have the VBS run by the folks at Fortune Lake this year, and children from all local churches will be invited to attend. If you would like to help with the float or VBS, you can contact Addy Lemire. Saturday, Sept. 19 – Bishop Skrenes will be giving a Scandinavian History Presentation at Bethany. This event is co-sponsored by the Carnegie Library, Friends of the Library and the Ishpeming Historical Society. This talk is definitely one you don’t want to miss, so make sure you mark your calendars! Sunday, October 11 – Today is the big event – Our 150th Anniversary Worship Ser-vice! We will be debuting a new hymn written for the occasion by Jim Bjorne. Bishop Katherine Finegan will be providing the sermon for us. Following the service, there will be a banquet at the River Rock Banquet Center. The dinner is open to all, so bring your friends. We may even have some surprise guests!

 Rick Rhoades from WLUC TV6 will be helping us put together a Stories of Betha-ny DVD, which will include interviews with members of the congregation sharing their memories of their journey in faith at Bethany. It will be a very special keepsake, and cop-ies will be made available to all our members. Please mark your calendars so you don’t miss any of these great programs. And again, if anyone wants to help with an event, please let us know. We welcome all the assistance we can get.

A Look at Bethany’s History

Per- sonals from the Luther League Mirror newsletter

February 1939:

We have some excellent ski riders in our midst, but may we suggest that Rev. Mattson and Mr. Hedman practice a little more before tackling the Fire Tower hill? Or are they planning to ride Suicide Hill on February 22?

We have had an unusually large sick list among the hitherto strong and healthy Leaguers. We missed quite a few of them at our party on Jan. 26. The sick are: Mabel & Leona Nelson, Marion Sundberg, Hilda Matson and Bernice Brandt.

Have you seen that lovely ‘shiner’ that Lowell is sporting? He claims it’s the result of a hockey stick, but then we know Hilda, don’t we, Leaguers.

By the way, Helen H., who is that tall, nice looking chap we see at the skating rink so often of late? We notice you even interrupt your games of ‘Chase’ to talk with him.

March 1939:

We are hoping Mabel Nelson isn’t too lonesome since Hugo returned to Chicago. It must be quite a thrill to have an admirer come some 400 miles to see you. Cheer up Mabel. Summer and Fortune Lake aren’t far away.

We noticed several valentines around after the League meeting on February 14th. And Leona Swanson, our advice to you is to take better care of yours, as several members are wondering who “Tod” is.

Honor your past as God’s gift that makes you who you are, but be open to change. Dare to step out in faith for the sake of your life’s mission. Try something new in the spirit of the God who’s always doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19; Revelation 21:5).

February 1942:

Virginia Silas and Linnea Johnson, former leaguers now employed in Washington, spent the holidays here in Ishpeming.

Bernice Brandt, a former leaguer, is now a 2nd Lieutenant in Uncle Sam’s Army and at present is stationed at Scott Field, Belleville, Illinois.

“Snugger” Norell is stationed at Army Air Base at Savannah, Georgia.

April 1942:

March 12th marked ‘the big day’ in the lives of two of our Leaguers for on that day before the candle-lighted altar of our church, Hilda Matson became the bride of Lowell Holmgren. The happy newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Chicago and now that they are home, our report-er hears that Hilda really has Lowell ‘trained.’ All for the best, we hope??? We, the Leaguers, extend our heartiest congratulations and best wishes as say “God bless your home.”

Lloyd A Sundblad, who was drafted into the United States Army in February, is stationed at Camp Grant, Illinois.

Paul Goethe is now employed in the office of the Northern Dairy Co. and George Francis is at the office of the H.W. Elson Bottling Works.

June 1942:

Following is the list of the Bethany Boys who are serving in the armed forces of our country. Remember them sometimes because they enjoy hearing from home.

Cp;. V.E. Norell, Pvt. Arvid Sjoholm, Pvt. L.H. Sundblad, PFC Robert B. Ring, PFC Creighton Ring, Cpl Clyde Sundberg, Pvt Roy Holmgren, Vining L. Bjork, Pvt. Carl V. John-son, AC John Velin, Pvt Lowell C. Holmgren.

“Snugger” Norell has been promoted to the rank of Corporal.

Our congratulations to former Leaguer, Dorothy Silas, who graduates from the Grant Hospi-tal School of Nursing on June 3rd.

We would like to congratulate the 1942 Confirmation Class which will be confirmed on June 28th. We hope that all the members of the class will join our League and become good and faithful members. The following are the members of the Class: Ogden Johnson, Jr. Stuart Eldred, Jimmie Jenkins, Seth Johnson, Clarence Archey, Mary Lindbom, Goldie Fredrickson, Marion Fredrickson, Marilyn Ann Holmgren, Marion Lindberg, Arlene Bess, Florence Swanson, Barbara Rickstad and Lorraine Magnuson.

 Saints and Notables for February/March

 (From the ELW)

Feb 1 Brigid of Kildare 1523 One of the three patrons of Ireland. Feb 5 The Martyrs of Japan 1597 There was sporadic persecution from this initial cru-cifixion of 26 Franciscan missionaries and Japanese converts until the opening of Japan to the west in 1854. Feb 14 Cyril and Methodius 869 Missionaries to the Slavs; precursor of the Cyrillic alphabet.

Cyril and Methodius were two brothers and Byzantine Christian theolo-gians and missionaries. For their work evangelizing the Slavs, they are known as the "Apostles to the Slavs". They are credited with devising the Glagolitic alphabet, the first alphabet used to transcribe Greek religious texts and liturgies into Slavic. This early alphabet developed into the Cy-rillic alphabet, still used to write the Slavic languages, including Russian.

Feb 18 Martin Luther 1546 Reformer, virtual founder of Protestantism. Feb 23 Polycarp 156 Student of St. John the Apostle. Bishop of Smyrna. Martyr at age 86, burned at the stake/stabbed. Mar 2 John and Charles Wesley, renewers of the church Mar 7 Perpetua, Felicity and companions, 202, martyrs Mar 17 St. Patrick, 461, missionary and patron of Ireland Mar 19 St. Joseph, Guardian of Jesus

Library Notes for February - March 2020

By Keenan Tunnell

We’re still in the Epiphany Season, so there is still time to check out these Epiphany titles. I haven’t personally read all of them, but Harrington’s Epiphany; the untold epic journey of the Magi is a GREAT read!! The others may contribute to your knowledge of this Christmas mystery….or raise more questions; but isn’t that a good thing?? As noted elsewhere, February 5th is the Commemoration of the Martyrs of Japan. I have found two new books that address this terrible time (17th-19th Centuries) and its aftermath for Christianity in Japan. . One of them (Silence) has been made into an award-winning motion picture. Of course, Valentine’s Day is on the 14th so you might want to check out his titles too and give a thought for the REAL saint who espoused the cause of young love, holy marriage, and those being persecuted for their faith So many good books….take some time out, make yourself a fresh cup of coffee/tea, and curl up with a good read! There won’t be a March edition of the OUTLOOK, but the books relating to the disciplines of Lent (Ash Wednesday is February 26th) will be on display. Harrington, Paul. Epiphany; the untold epic journey of the Magi FIC HAR The Old World is dying. A dazzling, mysterious star compels three Magi to undertake a

journey. But before Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar can complete their quest they must survive the deadly desert, supernatural forces, treachery, and the might of Rome. From the bamboo forests of China to the hidden city of Petra, from the lofty summits of Arabia to the scorching plains of Ethiopia, the Magi will battle their way to Bethle-hem to unravel the secret of the star. But with blood and betrayal their constant companions, the Magi begin to wonder if they journey to des-tiny . . . or death? Also try out:

Gilbert, Magi (FIC GIL); Landau, Revelation of the Magi; the lost tale….(232.92 LAN) Roberts, The Star of the Magi. (232.92 ROB)

Endo, Shusaku, Silence, a novel FIC END

“Seventeenth-century Japan: Two Portuguese Jesuit priests travel to a country hostile to their religion, where feudal lords force the faithful to publicly renounce their beliefs. Eventually captured and forced to watch their Japanese Christian brothers lay down their lives for their faith, the priests bear witness to unimaginable cruelties that test their own beliefs. Shusaku Endo is one of the most celebrated and well-known Japanese fiction writers of the twentieth century, and Silence is widely consid-ered to be his great masterpiece.” (from the back cover)

Dougill, John. In Search of Japan’s Hidden Chris-tians 282.52 DOU From the time the first Christian missionary arrived in Japan in 1549 to when a nation-

wide ban was issued in 1614, over 300,000 Japanese were converted to Christianity. A vicious campaign of persecution forced the faithful to go underground. For seven generations, Hidden Christians—or Kirishitan—preserved a faith that was strictly forbidden on pain of death. Illiterate peasants handed down the Catholicism that had been taught to their an-cestors despite having no Bible or contact with the outside world. Just as remarkably, descendants of the Hidden Christians continue to this day to practice their own religion, refusing to rejoin the Catholic Church. Why? And what is it about Christianity that is so antagonistic to Japanese

culture? This book is an attempt to answer these questions. A journey in both space and time, it recounts a clash of civilizations—of East and West—that resonates to this day and offers insights about the tenacity of belief and unchanging aspects of Japanese cul-ture. Tompert, Ann. St. Valentine. JUV 270.1 TOM “Every February 14 we exchange cards and flowers as expressions of love. Valentine’s Day is among our most popular holidays. But what do the words “Be my valentine”

mean? Who was Valentine?....Ann Tompert weaves together the most enduring stories of Valentine to create a tapestry of the saint’s life…including stories of Valentine performing secret weddings for soldiers who were forbidden by law to marry, and of Valentine giving comfort to persecuted Christians…glimpses of the man whose life remains essen-tially a mystery.

~From the Bishop “… Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord; for he is coming…” ~from Psalm 96

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

From November 17-27, 2018, I was honored to be chosen by Presiding Bishop Eliza-beth Eaton to be one of two newly elected leaders to attend a Retreat Of Newly Elected Leaders (RoNEL) sponsored by the Lutheran World Federation. The other ELCA rep-resentative was Bishop Pedro Suarez of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. The two of us joined bishops from all over the world: India, Chile, Canada, Angola, Guyana, Tanza-nia, Mexico, Hungary, and Poland. The Lutheran World Federation came into existence out of a desire to respond to the overwhelming refugee crisis after World War II. With much of Europe in a shambles, millions of people were displaced. Some estimates put the number of refugees from Europe at nearly 60 million. Around 10 million of these were Lutheran Christians. Im-mediately after the end of the war, Lutherans around the world mobilized to provide assistance. This was the context in which LWF was founded in 1947. We spent about five days in Geneva, Switzerland at the Ecumenical Center. The Lu-theran World Federation shares space with the World Council of Churches and they partner together, where possible, for deeper and broader impact. Some statistics: The Lutheran World Federation is a partnership representing 148 churches and 75.5 million people from Lutheran traditions in 99 countries. The three areas of their work are: 1. Service 2. Holistic Mission & Theology and 3. Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations There are 75 staff people in Geneva overseeing the work of over 5000 deployed staff and volunteers. Pretty impres-sive.

After hearing about the work of the LWF, our group travelled to Wittenberg, Germa-ny. There we enjoyed worship at St. Mary’s church where Martin Luther had preached over 2000 sermons, and we took in the sites of the Castle Church where the 95 theses was first posted. A highlight for me was planting an apple tree as part of the Luthergarten project to observe the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. We are tree #468! I invite you to go to www.luthergarten.de, click on the British flag for English and find more information on this project. Martin Luther once said, “If the world were to end in disaster tomorrow, I would plant an apple tree today.” In this new year, may we look for and plant signs and seeds of hope. May God bless our efforts for the work of Christ in the year of our Lord, 2019. Yours in Christ, Bishop Katherine Finegan

“All Beautiful the March of Days” All beautiful the march of days, as seasons come and go; the Hand that shaped the rose hath wrought the crystal of the snow; hath sent the hoary frost of heav’n, the flowing waters sealed, and laid a silent loveliness on hill and wood and field. … O Thou from whose unfathomed law the year in beauty flows, Thyself the vision passing by in crystal and in rose, day unto day doth utter speech, and night to night proclaim, in ever changing words of light, the wonder of Thy Name. —Frances W. Wile

Noisy Offering Given to Great Lakes Recovery Center The January/ February Noisy Offering will be donated to Great Lakes Recovery. GLRC is a non-profit accredited agency specializing in substance abuse and mental health treatment for youth, families and adults. They offer treatment services by certi-fied counselors and licensed professionals in many communities across Michigan’s Up-per Peninsula. The mission of Great Lakes Recovery Centers is to empower recovery through hope and change. Great Lakes Recovery Centers believes that chemical dependency – alcohol or other drug addiction – is a disease that affects individuals, family members, and the commu-nity. The treatment of this illness can best be addressed with an array of services provid-ed by caring professionals involving the individual, family, and community. It is only through this comprehensive approach that long term recovery is strengthened. For more informative call (906) 228-9699 and ask for Amy Poirier at ext. 1010.

The February Noisy Offering will go to Great Lakes Recovery Center. The March Noisy Offering will be given to ELCA Hunger.

Thanks to everyone for your generosity!

Pauli Kniivila is submitting one of his paintings to "Winter Charm", an exhibition which will be held at the Peter White Library during February and March.

Christmas Message from Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

On Christmas Eve there always comes a time when everything is finally still. After all the preparations and Christmas pageants, after all of the rushing, it’s wonderful just to settle into that stillness and have a chance to think about the miracle of Advent and Christmas. For me that came after the 11 o’clock candlelight service and after going home. With my husband and children in bed, I could think and settle into that stillness and marvel at the miracle that had happened. We know that God is up to something. We long for peace, and sure enough, God comes in the form of a helpless baby in a wooden manger. In that stillness, I think of another time when we are waiting and longing. It’s at the Easter vigil, when, by tradi-tion, we feel that at the very stroke of midnight Christ was raised from the dead. This helpless man on a cross now becomes the risen Lord. I hope and pray, dear church, that in this season of Advent and Christmas you will find time for stillness, find time to sense the expectation and the longing, but also to cele-brate the miracle of God ’s love that has come to us in the form of a tiny baby who grows to be a human being who gives his life for us, that we might have life. Merry Christmas, dear church. The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop

Return Life is a journey the church year is a journey the Mass is a journey Lent is a journey from the known to the unknown and back From the comfortable and safe to the new and threatening and back All of these are journeys of transformation We will not emerge as the same people who entered. All of these are journeys of Becoming - we will pass through the waters through the fire and step our transformed radiant new None of us really want to leave our cozy hobbit holes and venture out to there and back again By Susan Palo Cherwien, From Glory into Glory; Reflections for Worship

But Christ beckons “Come” and God beckons “Return” and so we turn from the habitual worn path onto a new road the road of return.

First write the opposite of each listed word, Then transfer letters to the correct numbered blanks to discover Jesus’ messages about love.

P U Z Z L E

Council Highlights— January 2020

Received letter of thanks from Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp Building Projects: all the planned capital improvement pro-jects are complete. There are a couple of smaller maintenance projects pending. 150th Anniversary Planning Committee : plans are underway

for video interviews of parish members ; Bethany will be part of the 2020 historic homes tour of Ishpeming in June 2020.

Electronic messaging system; Jim Bjorne has developed a master list of a single point of contact for each family for the cell phone text and email notifications sys-tems. Jim is looking for an alternate person to assist with the emergency notification system.. Contact Jim or Pastor is you are interested in helping out.

Weather cancellations also will be sent to TV6 for posting on their community calen-dar listing of closings.

2019 annual reports from each board need to handed ASAP Discussion about changing the date/month of the annual meeting for future years. Pastoral Acts: Funerals—Theodore Swanson (12/14/19), June Forsberg (12/2319) Membership changes: New Members—Norm and Linda Lind, Cliff Heliste, Jennie

Garrett-Bureau and Elizabeth Bureau. J. Kinnunen presented the financial report through December 2019 and the proposed

new budget for 2020. Church Council Candidates: Tom Perry (Executive Director), Mark Slown (Asst Ex-

ecutive Director), Ann Sundblad (Stewardship), Jim Bjorne (Personnel), David Leverton (Finance), Bob Bruhnke (Property), Keenan Tunnell (Worship and Music), Jill Carter (Social Ministry), Amanda Bivins (Christian Education)

Next meeting: February 24 @ 6:30 pm

YTD Income $199,430.48 TD Expenses: $199,333.01 January—December 2019

Board of Finance 2020 Paper Reduction Survey Included in this month’s Outlook is a tri-folded piece of paper that we would like you to fill out and return to the church. The instructions on the insert are self-explanatory. If you filled one out at the Annual Meeting on Sunday January 19, 2020, you can dis-regard this survey. It is important to hear from our congregation on how they want to receive the Outlook, and make their annual pledges, along with offering envelopes and coin folders. Please take a minute to complete this form and attach a stamp and mail it, or you can bring it to worship and leave it in the church office. Thank you for participating in these efforts to reduce our expenses and help to save paper and protect our environment for future generations.

Could you make soup?

If you would be able to help the Boards of Bethany for the soup suppers by making a pot of soup, it would be greatly appreciated. Some members have responsibili-ties for several boards and others find it difficult to make the soup. If you could help, please contact one of the board chairpersons and volunteer. Thank you so much.

Thank You from The New Free Store

Dear Members of Bethany, Thank you for your generous donations to the "noisy offerings" collected for The New Free Store. Your financial support and donations of monthly hygiene or cleaning products is much appreciated. We have been able to keep the doors open and the lights on thanks to your generosity. We'd like to remind you, in addition to monthly products and financial support, The New Free Store also welcomes donations of gen-tly used clothing. At this time we are especially in need of men's long sleeve pullover shirts and sweaters. Thank you. Judy Kitchen Manager of The New Free Store

The New Free Store

The New Free Store is an interfaith non-profit group supporting people who express a need for free clothing, linens, hygiene and cleaning supplies. Anyone in need is welcome. Free things are offered as “in God’s economy there is always enough.” The Free Store is located at 1420 East M28 next to Lakestate Industries. It is open Wednesdays Noon-4PM (1st, 2nd 3rd weeks of month) and the fourth Monday of the month 6:00-8:00 pm. Facebook@thenewfreestore. There is a collection box in our church entry. Donation requests rotate on a monthly basis.

February: Toilet Paper (Packages of 4 rolls or 6 rolls) March: Shampoo for both males & females; Conditioner for females

Answer to the puzzle

Answer: warm, over, in, small, loud, hard, young, before, true “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and will all your soul and with all you strength and with all your mind.” “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27, NIV

Bethany’s Website www.bethanyishpeming.org

To view the latest edition of the Outlook in color, please visit Bethany’s website.

The Knock at His Heart

As a doctor examined a 4-year-old boy, he thought it would be interesting to let the lad listen to the beating of his own heart. With the listening device in his ears and the probe on his heart, the boy was asked, “What do you hear?” The boy, who attended Sunday school regularly, responded, “Is that Jesus knocking?”

If you would like to make a submission, contact Linda Dahl by phone, e-mail, or by dropping a note in the newsletter mailbox at church.

485-1625 linkarzig@gmail.com

Keep In Your Prayers

Remember our home-bound and nursing home residents: Valente: Roy Koski Jacobetti: Carol Waters Teal Lake Senior Living Community: Jean Johns, Annette Larson,

Adeline Johnson Mill Creek: Marilyn Pontti, Betty Geier Amanda Bivins Family and friends of Ted Swanson who

mourn his loss Family and friends of June Forsberg who

mourn her loss Roy & LaVerne Koski Linda Dahl Marilyn Pontti Sandee Sundquist Jerry Plaisier Cindy Warner Loreth Johnson Emilie Brown Bob Maki Mark, Kathleen, and Karmen Slown

Ray Chartre Roger & Ruth Solberg Doris Pellonpaa Ted Swanson Judy Hogan Mark Zander Atkins Jim Bjorne Angie Kempainen June Forsberg Those in the military that they may

remain safe

Bethany Lutheran Church Phone: 906-486-4351 E-mail: bethanyim@hotmail.com Website: www.bethanyishpeming.org

Bethany Lutheran Church 715 Mather Avenue Ishpeming, MI 49849 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ISHPEMING MI 49849 Permit No. 75

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Northern Great Lakes Synod

Rev. Warren Geier, Pastor Home Phone: 485-4218 E-mail: pastor@bethanyishpeming.org

Parish Planning Council: Exec. Director, Tom Perry Asst. Exec. Director, Mark Slown Christian Education, Amanda Bivins Finance, David Leverton Personnel, Jim Bjorne Property, Robert Bruhnke Social Ministry, Jill Carter Stewardship, Ann Sundblad Worship & Music, Keenan Tunnell

February 23 Assisting Minister - Terra Frustaglio Acolytes - Reid Frustaglio & James Grigg Altar - Sue Holmgren Coffee Hosts - Worship & Music Flowers - In honor of our grandchildren by Tony & Rae Elliot Nursery - Sabrina Bordeaux Bread - Judy Kitchen

Thank You!

February Worship Assistants February 2 Assisting Minister - Gwen Bruhnke Acolytes - Leo Dockery & Delanie Rhoades Altar - Peggy Clark & Cathy Barton Coffee Hosts - Barb Yunkari’s group Flowers - In memory of our parents by Peggy and Bob Clark Nursery - Abby Bruhnke Bread - Linda Dahl February 9 Assisting Minister - Garrett Frustaglio Acolytes - Elizabeth Bureau & Lola Dockery Altar - Shirley Tyni Coffee Hosts - Social Ministry Flowers - In memory of Inez Symons by Colleen Sundblad Nursery - Denise Kaukola Bread - Marian Medlyn February 16 Assisting Minister - Robert Clark Acolytes - Ashley Chartre & Jacob Bivins Altar - Kaye Frederickson Coffee Hosts - Volunteers Flowers - Nursery - Faith Cain Bread - Terra Frustagllio

February Ushers: John Beerling Jerry Hager Bill Heavyside Don Meyer Dan Sleeman Bob Bruhnke Rick Rhoades

February 26 Ash Wednesday Assisting Minister - Laverne Koski Acolytes - Faith Cain & Luke Holmgren Altar - Sue Holmgren Bread - Ray & Barb Yunkari

Happy Birthday! 2 William Heavyside 2 Joshua Niemela 2 Aili Toivonen 3 Sharon Argall 3 Megan Barton 4 Eric Beinlich 4 Victoria Rankin 6 Zoe Argall 7 Rachel Argall 8 Kelly Anderson 8 Kayla Koski 9 Carrie Goldsworthy 9 Kenneth Carlson 11 Abigail Bruhnke 11 Renee Rankin 11 Diana Sandstrom 11 Roy Koski 13 Linda Bertucci 13 Harriet Maki 13 Debbie Snell 14 Thomas Varda 15 Rae Elliot 16 Kenneth Johnson 18 John Beerling 18 Michael Flynn 18 Lindsey Drebenstedt 19 Marvin Toivonen 20 Jacob Bivins 23 Seth Bjorne 23 Denise Kaukola 23 Victoria Mattson 24 Ethan Argall 26 Linda Hurrell 26 Karen Kasper 27 John Carlson 27 Garrett Frustaglio

Happy Anniversary!

George & Barb Holmgren 2/12/65 55 years Jerry & Roberta Luokkala 2/13/1971 48 years James & Holly Bjorne 2/14/1981 38 years

Thank You!

March Worship Assistants March 1 Assisting Minister - Robert Nadeau Acolytes - Jacob Bivina & Leo Dockery Altar - Debbie Cain Coffee Hosts - Christian Ed Nursery - Abby Bruhnke Bread - Kathy Geier March 8 Assisting Minister - Abbi Bruhske Acolytes - Luke Holmgren & Elizabeth Bu-reau Altar - Coffee Hosts - Social Ministry Nursery - Denise Kaukola Bread - Shirley Tyni March 15 Assisting Minister - Rick Rhoades Acolytes - Reid Frustaglio & James Grigg Altar - Coffee Hosts - Stewardship Nursery - Faith Cain Bread - Kaye Frederickson March 22 Assisting Minister - Kay Ryan Acolytes - Ashley Chartre & Brady Johnson Altar - Coffee Hosts - Nursery - Sabrina Bordeaux Bread - Kay Chartre

March Ushers: Bob Nadeau John Carlson Tom Brown Maurice Hansen Tom Sodergren Greg Stahlmann Don Hurrell Jim Penhale April Ushers: Bruce Bussone Tom Perry Jim Kinnunen Craig Kitchen Jerry Plaisier Knut Strom Doug Carter

March 29 Assisting Minister - Wendy Penhale Acolytes - Delanie Rhoades & Lola Dockery Altar - Coffee Hosts - Property Nursery - Abby Bruhnle Bread - Rae Elliot Youth Usher—

Happy Birthday!

1 Carol Carlson 2 Carol Heavyside 3 Heidi Sweet 4 Marvin Swanson 4 Calvin Bertucci 5 Addy Lemire 7 Alexandra Kitchen 7 Evelyn Valente 8 Terra Frustaglio 8 Roberta Luokkala 9 Gwen Bruhnke 10 Rick Dault 11 Brett Sandstrom 12 Robert Clark 12 Trisha Gugin 14 William Carne 15 Jamie Healey 15 Beverly Matherne 16 Joshua Argall 16 Derek Meyer 17 Beth Bertucci 18 Peggy Clark 19 Sue Ryan 21 Gregory Stahlmann 22 Nicholas Chartre 24 Patricia Nault 25 Robert Kaukola 25 Joseph Lemire 27 Gavin Argall 28 Kimberly Marks 28 Doris Pellonpaa 28 Donna Stahlmann

29 Chad Anderson 29 Catherine Barton 29 Marie Chilman 29 Kenneth Lawson 30 Sharla Riutta 31 Benjamin Bruhnke 31 Lois Goethe

Happy Anniverary!

David & Amanda Bivins 3/2/02 18 years Richard & Jamie Rhoades 3/21/03 17 years